Big Sur River Inn | Riverside Dining in the River from $240

36 photos

Save up to 10%

by booking directly

compared to Booking.com

Key details

Hotel Overview and Details

46800 Highway One, Big Sur, 93920

Near Pfeiffer Beach

Very good

7.4

/10

3.5

3.8

Loved by Big Sur River Inn guests

Creek views

Accommodating staff

Comfortable beds

Lovely grounds

"Everything about the property was as advertised, the river flowing with the chairs in there 50 feet from our room, the green lawn leading up to the river, the layout was like a small town with a restaurant, general store, even a swimming pool, always felt safe and secure."

Bruce from United States

read full review

"The restaurant was definitely a cut above what you would expect being attached to an inn, great food and drink!"

mshima67 . from United States

read full review

3-star riverside haven in Big Sur

Location

The Big Sur River Inn is situated along the picturesque Big Sur River, surrounded by towering redwoods. It serves as a central location for exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of the Big Sur area, with easy access to nearby state parks. Visitors can enjoy scenic views and outdoor adventures just steps from the inn.

Rooms

The hotel offers various accommodations, including riverside suites that overlook the expansive lawn and Big Sur River. There are also motel-style ridge rooms located along Historic Highway One, ensuring proximity to the main lodge. Each room captures the essence of a cozy cabin retreat amid the majestic redwoods.

Dining

The on-site restaurant at Big Sur River Inn serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with outdoor seating options along the riverbank. Guests can enjoy unique dining experiences, including a famous burrito bar located in the general store. The property also features an ice cream bus that offers popular flavors, making it a hit with families.

Events

The inn provides indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for hosting special events, including weddings and group retreats. Collaborations with local vendors allow for customized event experiences tailored to guests' needs. The lush grounds and surrounding redwoods create an exceptional backdrop for memorable gatherings.

Shopping

Visitors can explore the general store on-site, which offers an array of snacks, beverages, and Big Sur merchandise to take home. The store features locally-sourced products and handmade items, presenting a chance to support the family-owned business. It serves as a convenient stop for any essentials needed during a stay.

Highlights

Location: Situated along Big Sur River

Rooms: Riverside suites and motel-style ridge rooms

Dining: On-site restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Events: Ideal spaces for weddings and retreats

Shopping: General store with locally-sourced products

Must-do experiences

Hike the stunning McWay Falls Trail for breathtaking coastal views.
Savor a meal at Nepenthe, known for its incredible sunset vistas.
Visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library for local art and culture.
Don't miss the Big Sur River Park for kayaking and picnicking fun.
Explore the unique art at Point Sur Lightstation for history buffs.

Location: Great

8.8/10Review score

View Hotel Location on Map

Highlights from guests

DiningDelicious gem

The restaurant has a beautiful dining area. The food was delicious with huge portions and great drinks.

Chloe from Australia

Review on

BedroomAmazing sleep

The beds, pillows, and linen were amazing. It was the best night's sleep of our trip.

Noah from Canada

Review on

Room FeaturesRiverside Relaxation

The room had two lounge chairs outside, great for listening to the river and the rain.

Isabella from United States

Review on

Spa & LeisureRiverside chairs

It's cool to sit in the chairs in the river enjoying a drink! The grounds and gardens are lovely.

Mateo from Spain

Review on

Choose Your Room Category

The hotel offers a range of accommodations including doubles, family rooms, and suites—plus breakfast, free cancellation, and special rates.

Queen Room
2 persons
17 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Coffee machine
room details
Queen Room Two Queen Beds
2 persons
24 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Heating
Coffee machine
room details
Suite River View
2 persons
32 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Balcony
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

Room Availability and Pricing Calendar

Find available rooms and check today's best prices!

July 2026 - July 2027

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

July 2026

August 2026

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

Choose dates to see prices

Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

This hotel provides premium amenities for a memorable and relaxed stay

Facilities: Very good

7.6/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Free parking
Off-site car park
No pets allowed
ATM/Cash machine
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Hiking

Services

Housekeeping

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Seasonal outdoor pool
Garden area

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Sitting area
Patio

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Big Sur River Inn, dining unfolds beside the scenic banks of the Big Sur River, where the comforting heart of American cuisine meets the charm of outdoor gatherings. Whether it's a delightful breakfast or a casual riverside barbeque, the experience invites guests to savor hearty meals in a family-friendly and romantic atmosphere.

Big Sur River Inn Restaurant
American
Ambiance
Family-friendly riverside with outdoor decks and a cozy lawn setting
Key Offerings
Indulge in smoked ribs, brisket, and chicken, alongside vibrant sides. Start the day with huevos rancheros or banana walnut pancakes, complemented by a selection of reasonably priced beers and wines from a carefully crafted list.
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Location

46800 Highway One, Big Sur, 93920

Explore Big Sur

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

30 minutes' walk

Forest trails and scenic landscapes make this park a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.

Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area

11-minute drive

Known for its unique purple sand and striking rock formations, this beach offers stunning views and peaceful relaxation.

Hiking at Pfeiffer Falls Trail

30 minutes' walk

A moderate trail leads to beautiful waterfalls, ideal for families and nature lovers, with nearby picnic spots.

Yoga Classes at Spirit Garden

4 minutes' walk

Serene outdoor yoga sessions in a picturesque garden setting, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Big Sur River Inn Restaurant

2 minutes' walk

Offers hearty comfort food in a cozy setting, with features like outdoor seating alongside the river.

Big Sur Village General Store & Burrito Bar

2 minutes' walk

Casual eatery famous for its delicious burritos and quick bites, ideal for a laid-back meal.

Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge Viewing

6-minute drive

Picturesque vantage point for a family-friendly visit, perfect for sunset photography and nearby trails.

Local Color Art Gallery

3 minutes' walk

Art gallery featuring local artists with a cozy ambiance, often hosts events and live music nights.

Navigating city

City Centre
Big Sur 4 min · 1000 ft
Airports
Monterey Peninsula (MRY) 76 min · 31.1 mi

Want Access to Early Bird Booking Discounts?

Unlock Exclusive Savings Instantly!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-21:00

Check-out

until 12 pm

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Guest Reviews and Hotel Ratings

Honest Guest Feedback Based on Real Stays

Review score

Based on 136 verified reviews

7.5 /10

Very good

74 %

Recommend

Breakfast

7.5/10

Cleanliness

7.9/10

Comfort

7.9/10

Facilities

7.6/10

Free WiFi

7.4/10

Location

8.8/10

Paid Wi-Fi

9.0/10

Staff

8.1/10

Value for money

6.6/10

Pros

Scenic drive

Delicious food

Friendly staff

Cozy atmosphere

Cons

Limited WiFi

Highway noise

Misleading information

Single pane windows

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

Open reviews

Show more reviews

Questions of the users

About Big Sur River Inn

Is the swimming pool heated during the summer months?

10 July 2024

The swimming pool is indeed heated during summer, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.

Can an extra bed be added in a suite when traveling with children?

23 August 2024

Regrettably, the suites cannot accommodate an additional bed or rollaway bed.

Is late check-in available, and what about air conditioning in the rooms?

5 November 2024

Yes, late check-in is available. Information will be provided for room access if arrival occurs after office hours. Please note that there is no air conditioning in any of the rooms.

Are pets allowed at the property, specifically small dogs?

12 April 2025

Unfortunately, the hotel does not accommodate pets, including small dogs.

What types of dining options are available at the restaurant?

20 June 2024

Enjoy a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner on scenic outdoor decks or along the bank of the Big Sur River.

Is there an option for guests to purchase merchandise or souvenirs from the property?

30 September 2024

Yes, there is an online store where guests can shop for a variety of Big Sur River Inn merchandise and souvenirs.

Are there any accessible rooms available for guests with disabilities?

8 October 2025

Yes, there is one ADA accessible room featuring a spacious bathroom with roll-in shower and other accessible amenities.

Can the Big Sur River Inn host events or weddings?

14 February 2025

The Big Sur River Inn is an excellent location for weddings and events, offering both indoor and outdoor settings for gatherings.

What activities are available for guests to enjoy on the property?

28 January 2025

Guests can explore the scenic grounds, relax in Adirondack chairs by the river, or dine on the lawn while soaking in the beautiful surroundings of Big Sur.